Trekking in Gunung Agung is an experience no traveller in Bali should miss; not only does this volcano hold an incredible spiritual significance to the locals, it also is the highest point on this beautiful island offering a spectacular view to anyone willing to take on the excitement filled hike to the rim of the volcano. If you’re a true thrill seeker, the six-hour hike to the peak which allows you breathtakingly beautiful views is well worth the while.
The shorter, more straightforward hike starts off at the car park of Pura Pasar Agung, where there are plenty of guides waiting. At the gates, one can join the guide in an offering to the gods, asking for protection and a safe return while lighting incense sticks for one of the shrines. After this the true hike begins; including a trek through dense alpine rainforest, followed by a steep climb on the first rocky surface, where the forest has thinned and offers a taste of the view at the rim. The last part of the trek is steep and slippery, but it is truly worth it, because at this point the view begins unfolding in every direction. Ahead of you stands the peak of Gunung Agung while on one side the are the mountain ranges of Bali. On the other, two thirds of the island including the beautiful coastline can be seen unfolding before your eyes. The trek may be tiring, but the beautiful view awaiting you at the rim is worth the trouble.
Although the shorter hike is less tiring, the longer hike is well worth the extra trouble. It takes about six hours in total, and if you want to make it to the peak to witness the sunrise you will have to start the climb at around midnight. The hike starts off at Pura Besakih, which is a vast collection of temples on the mountainside. After a walk of an hour or so, a strong torch will come very much in handy as you navigate the dense rainforest without the light of the moon. Following this is the tough, slippery walk straight up the mountain, 2,622km up. After a short rest at this ‘base camp,’ you take on the most dangerous part of the climb, where it is important to be wary of the cliffs. Once this part of the hike is done, you are rewarded with a view of a beautiful tropical sunrise in a way that only those who take on the mountain can truly enjoy.
Trekking in Gunung Agung is an experience that no television screen or photograph can truly describe. The tough trek is a small price to pay for the view, and if one decides to experience this climb, it is important to go prepared. A strong torch, or better yet a head torch is necessary for the rainforest trek, proper shoes; especially for the walk on the volcanic rock, don’t forget water, snacks, a warm jacket and a few other things necessary for the hike. Last but not the least, a thirst for adventure as well as plenty of determination.
There are plenty of hotels in Seminyak to relax in after an exhausting hike, but to truly pamper yourself, a 5 star hotel Seminyak such as the luxurious W Retreat & Spa Bali Seminyak should be at the top of your list.
Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Caliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered.Google+